Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without panto and… it’s official – the season is nearly upon us (Oh yes it is!) Imagine Theatre, one of the UK’s leading pantomime producers, has unveiled their glittering line-up of shows and stars set to bring festive magic to audiences across the country this Christmas.
From beloved on screen sensations to showstopping West End stars, and comedy icons to rising stars, this year’s season promises fun, laughter and plenty of seasonal sparkle for audiences of all ages.
Families across the UK can look forward to a dazzling array of household names and panto favourites bringing the panto fun to life live on stage including Scott Mills ( BBC Radio 2, Race Across the World), Richie Anderson (BBC Radio 2, Strictly Come Dancing), La Voix (Ru Pauls Drag Race, Strictly Come Dancing), Linda Robson (Birds of a Feather, Loose Women), Jenny Ryan (The Chase), Joe Pasquale (I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Spamalot), Justin Fletcher (CBeebies), AJ and Curtis Pritchard (Strictly Come Dancing, Love Island), Suzanne Shaw (Hear’Say, Dancing on Ice), Jennifer Ellison (Brookside, Chicago), Rebecca Keatley (CBeebies), Mark Read (A1), Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses, Still Open All Hours), Han & Fran (Britain’s Got Talent), Mark Rhodes (Sam & Mark, CBBC), Divina De Campo (RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Chicago), Tyger Drew-Honey (Outnumbered, Cuckoo), Andrew Agnew (Balamory), Grado (Two Doors Down/Heart FM), Ben Goffe (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Choir of Man), Abbie Budden (Cruel Intentions), Cleve September (Hamilton).
Alongside this cast of stars is a stellar line-up of some of the best-known names in the business, making up the cheekiest dames, bravest princes, feistiest heroines, twinkliest fairies, funniest comics, and most boo-able baddies in all of ‘Pantoland’. And with more than 400 talented local children making up the junior ensembles, you’re guaranteed a truly unforgettable family experience.
Laura Taylor, Head of Celebrity Casting, added:
“We’re as excited as ever about this year’s line-up. Panto is all about fun, family and a little bit of festive escapism. Each of our shows promises music, laughter, spectacle and that wonderful live theatre magic. Audiences are in for a real treat.”
Imagine Theatre are an innovative, award-winning theatre production company built on a legacy of family entertainment stretching back over 25 years. They have produced more than 260 professional pantomimes and many children’s theatre tours. Their family friendly shows have won multiple awards and have been received by audiences of all ages with huge positivity and to great critical acclaim. In the last two years, Imagine Theatre have received twenty nominations from the UK Pantomime Association Awards, winning five, including awards for the Best Set and Best Pantomime over 900 seats.
This season, Imagine will bring winter wonder to towns and cities across the UK including Crewe, Dartford, Fareham, Glasgow, Halifax, Hertford, Inverness, Kilmarnock, Kirkcaldy, Llandudno, Leamington Spa, Reading, Stafford, Swansea, and Swindon, where audiences will step into the magical worlds of Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk, Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. They are also producing a magical Christmas adventure written by CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher: Santa on his Sleigh, which will play Southend and Guildford, and a 50 date UK tour of Justin Live: Justin Time to Rock in the autumn and spring.
Steve Boden, Managing Director of Imagine Theatre, said:
“Christmas simply wouldn’t be Christmas without pantomime; it’s been at the very heart of winter celebrations for hundreds of years and this year we’re thrilled to bring together such a fantastic group of people to bring some of the most-loved fairy tales to life live on stage. From household names to incredible local performers, our shows are all about joy, laughter and making memories that will last a lifetime. We can’t wait to welcome families through our doors this festive season.”
Across the UK, don’t miss your chance to join in the fun for a night of dazzling costumes, jaw-dropping sets, hilarious comedy routines toe tapping popular tunes, loads of audience participation and all the traditional ingredients that make pantomime the ultimate family treat.
